On 4th November Surrey Heath Borough Council announced that Surrey Heath volunteers success at the Surrey County Council Chairman’s Volunteer Service Awards 2016,

Well-deserving volunteers from across Surrey Heath have picked up an impressive haul of awards at a recent ceremony. A total of seven volunteer heroes from the borough received the honour at a Dorking reception hosted by the Chairman of Surrey County Council, Sally Marks. This was the highest total achieved across all the Surrey boroughs and districts involved.

The county-wide awards ceremony, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Surrey Heath, Cllr John Winterton and his wife Mrs Di Winterton, recognise community-minded individuals across a wide range of volunteering sectors. The Surrey Heath award winners:

Arthur Birkby has supported Surrey Heath & Runnymede for over 30 years setting up charities and leading many projects in his area. A key success was founding ‘Voluntary Support North Surrey’ which now facilitates 1,000 days of volunteering each year for 40 charities.

Anne Brummer, from Camberley, runs Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, based in Windlesham, which is devoted to protecting and preserving wildlife in its natural environment. She goes into schools to teach the importance of looking after our environment.

Carole Anne Cole has helped young homeless people for many years by inviting them into her own home. Last year she set up the Camberley ‘All Night Cafe’ for the homeless. She also helps with Street Angels in Camberley.

Steve Isherwood is the founder of Camberley Street Angels, which has had a positive impact on crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre on weekend nights through listening, caring, and offering practical help, as well as referring those affected to other specialist support agencies.

Anthony Moore has been chairman since 1987 of Frimley Green and Mytchett Scouts, helping to raise £450,000 to build a new Scout hut. Also, he helped build a swimming pool for the local Church of England school, and started the Surrey Heath Show which donates £7,000 to charities each year.

James Osbourn is a founder member of the Chobham Society, a member of the first flood forum set up in Surrey (also in Chobham); he led the campaign to save the local post office, and took a lead in organising the celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee and the Queen’s recent birthday.

Margaret Parry has made an immeasurable contribution to Chobham village. She has been chairman of St. Lawrence Old Folks Club for over 10 years and on the committee before that. She is an integral part of the Neighbourhood Care scheme, currently runs the Chobham Festival box office, and is a great supporter of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion.

Cllr Winterton said: “These awards give recognition to the amazing individuals who give up their time and energy for the good of their local communities across Surrey Heath and beyond. Their stories are truly inspirational and I was honoured to be at the awards – congratulations to all involved.”

In total almost 30 individuals from across Surrey were recognised at the ceremony for their voluntary work. Mrs Marks said: “It was fantastic to thank these amazing unsung volunteers and celebrate the work they do for their communities. It’s a privilege and an honour to see that sense of community first hand when I travel across the county in my role as Chairman and I am constantly moved by the selfless dedication of these wonderful people.”